The Compass Rose Podcast

When it comes to building lasting health and wellness brands, few people have as much lived experience as Raza Bashir.
As Chief Innovation Officer at Iovate Health Sciences International, Raza has spent nearly two decades turning cutting-edge science into products that make a real difference in people’s lives. From MuscleTech to Hydroxycut, his fingerprints are on some of the most influential supplement brands of our time.
In this conversation, hosted by Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, we delve into the journey of innovation: what it truly entails behind the scenes, why transparency is non-negotiable, and how balancing margins with quality is one of the most challenging yet critical aspects of building a brand.
Raza also shares what inspires his product innovation, lessons from products like Clear Muscle, and his perspective on the fast-changing landscape of consumer wellness.
Here are some of the key moments from the episode:
The early days at Iovate and how a culture of speed and passion shaped innovation
Why storytelling and consumer feedback remain as important as the science behind the product
The Clear Muscle case study—how testing, iteration, and positioning made all the difference
Building consumer trust through transparency, science, and third-party validation
The future of supplements: precision nutrition, peptides, and the rise of consumer “stacks”

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, a powerhouse marketing strategist, CPG advisor, and the founder of Compass Rose Ventures sits down with Ramon Vela on The Story of a Brand Show.
Rose shares an honest, insightful look into what it takes to build, grow, and scale a consumer brand in today’s landscape, from digital-first storytelling to the emotional resilience founders need to survive the chaos of retail and fundraising. This conversation is packed with wisdom earned from years in the trenches, advising some of the most innovative brands in beauty, beverage, wellness, and beyond.
They discuss how founders can become better storytellers, how to establish a robust marketing foundation, and why data is more than just a buzzword - it’s a vital survival tool.
If you’re a founder, operator, investor, or just obsessed with consumer brands, this is the episode for you.
Here are a few key moments from our conversation:
Why modern CPG brands need both marketing gritl and operational grit
How to shift from founder-led storytelling to storyselling
The concept of a “data room for marketing”—and why every brand needs one

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Ben Lewis and Angela Vranich, Co-Founders of Little Spoon, a kids' nutrition brand that that delivers organic, fresh baby food and meals for toddlers and kids directly to customers' homes.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Turning DTC insights into product innovation
Building trust with millennial parents through education
Scaling without sacrificing quality
Leading with emotional connection and mission-first thinking

As people who are passionate about purpose-driven CPG brands, we couldn’t wait to sit down with Jennifer Jorgensen, CEO of Back to Nature.
She’s not just leading the charge at Back to Nature she’s revitalizing a legacy brand for today’s conscious consumer.  With a powerful blend of empathy, strategy, and bold decision-making, Jennifer demonstrates what it means to lead with both heart and business acumen.
In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, unpacks the transformation of Back to Nature as it reclaims its roots in plant-based simplicity and moves toward a cleaner, more intentional product line.
From managing reformulation without alienating loyal customers to redefining what “better-for-you” actually means, Jennifer shares the challenges and breakthroughs of modernizing a beloved brand while staying true to its mission.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
* How Jennifer approached reformulating legacy products while maintaining consumer trust
 
* The strategy behind bringing purpose and profitability together in a crowded CPG landscape
 
* Lessons on leadership, team culture, and empowering people through change
 
* Why Back to Nature is leaning into its plant-based identity—and what that means for product innovation
 
* The importance of transparency, storytelling, and staying grounded in values during brand evolution
 
Join us in listening to the episode to learn how one leader is thoughtfully scaling a heritage brand with modern relevance and building a stronger future for the next generation of better-for-you foods.

When Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, first tried Aplós, she knew there was something different, sophisticated, calming, and beautifully intentional.
In this episode, Rose sits down with David Fudge, Co-founder and CEO of Aplós, to unpack how he’s not just building a brand—he’s reimagining what it means to unwind. From Bonobos to beverage, David’s journey is a masterclass in blending creative vision with operational strategy.
We dive deep into how Aplós is breaking category codes while anchoring to timeless consumer desires. David shares how his fashion-forward, design-driven mindset helped shape a non-alcoholic spirit brand that’s as emotionally resonant as it is operationally sound.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode is full of insights that will have you rethinking what brand-building really means today.
Here are a few key moments to listen for:
* How David leveraged a non-beverage background to challenge industry norms—and why not knowing the rules can be an asset.
* The concept of “disciplined disruption”: choosing which category codes to break and which to honor.
* Why bartenders—not just consumers—are key to Aplós’s advocacy and growth strategy.
* Building a go-to-market strategy rooted in both aspiration and data: from DTC learnings to luxury retail partnerships.
* David’s powerful mantra: “Be convicted in vision, malleable in strategy,” and what it means for modern founders navigating fast-changing landscapes.
Join us in listening to the episode to discover how David is crafting more than a product. He’s creating a cultural shift in how we gather, relax, and connect. This is a story of vision, values, and the bold art of brand building.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Sachi Singh, Founder & CEO of Rootless, a brand focused on providing sustainable seaweed-based products, particularly for women's health, with a focus on hormone balance and overall well-being.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Scott Turner and Nick Lagonia, Co-founders of Misery & Mayhem,  a brand focused on protein-packed oatmeal designed to fuel athletic performance and recovery.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Chomps, the fastest-growing food brand in the U.S. From humble beginnings to over $500 million in retail sales, Pete and Rashid have built a brand redefining the snacking industry with high-quality, healthy, and delicious meat snacks. What I love about this conversation is how Pete and Rashid dive into the lessons they've learned, the mistakes they've made, and the strategies that have fueled their success. Whether you're a founder, a business leader, or someone passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Building from Scratch: How Pete and Rashid leveraged their complementary skills and a deep understanding of their customers to build a loyal community around Chomps.
Focus on Brand Awareness: Why keeping brand awareness ahead of distribution has been their key to scaling successfully while maintaining customer loyalty.
Lessons in Resilience: How bootstrapping through challenges—like raising $1 million in a weekend to fund a Trader Joe's order—helped them grow sustainably.
Innovation with Simplicity: The power of focusing on a core product lineup while introducing customer-driven innovations like pantry packs to meet evolving needs.
The Chompian Culture: How Pete and Rashid maintain their original values and foster a strong company culture, even as their team and operations scale rapidly.
Join us in listening to this insightful episode where Pete and Rashid share the secrets behind Chomps' incredible growth and their mission to create a better-for-you brand that resonates with consumers. Let's dive into their journey and learn how to build a purpose-driven and wildly successful business. Enjoy the show! For more on Chomps, visit their website. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review. Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
Today's Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the U.S. market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.

From Big Nutrition to Personalized Wellness
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Mike Glick, Co-founder and CEO of Goode Health. Mike shares his journey from large-scale nutrition to creating a cutting-edge personalized superfood brand.
The Goode Health Mission
Mike's passion for nutrition and his dedication to empowering people to improve their health are clear throughout the conversation. He explains how Goode Health integrates technology, data, and smart design to turn daily routines into sustainable healthy habits.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Mike's transition from Abbott Nutrition to launching Goode Health and his focus on personalized wellness.
The science of superfoods and the role of polyphenols and clean ingredients in health-focused products.
The importance of personalization using wearables, biomarkers, and technology to enhance nutrition strategies.
How Goode Health supports trends like GLP-1 use and nutrient-dense diets.
The emphasis on retention strategies from day one, using tools like journals and recipe guides.
Why Personalization Matters
Mike discusses the significance of personalization in health. Goode Health's data-driven approach is designed to help users build sustainable wellness habits that fit their unique needs.
Learn More About Goode Health
Discover more about Goode Health and its innovative approach by visiting https://www.goodehealth.com/. Learn how they're revolutionizing nutrition with technology and personalization.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support allows us to bring more inspiring content.
Acknowledgments to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They help brands optimize journeys, expand markets, and build communities. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Book a 30-minute consultation and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.

Transforming Healthcare with Nutrition
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, hosts Eziah Syed, Co-founder and CEO of MEND, in this episode. They discuss Eziah's inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize healthcare through nutrition.
The Vision Behind MEND
Eziah shares personal stories that sparked his passion for creating a brand focused on holistic healing. He explains how MEND combines clinical nutrition with behavioral science to impact patients, athletes, and the healthcare sector positively.
Key Challenges in Healthcare
The conversation highlights challenges like prevention gaps and the need for better tools for doctors to improve outcomes. Eziah also discusses balancing innovation with execution and the role of micro-habits in personal wellness.
Key Highlights
The personal story behind MEND’s mission to revolutionize healing.
How MEND’s clinical-grade products accelerate patient recovery.
The role of nutrition in filling gaps in traditional medicine.
Balancing innovation with operational focus in startups.
The importance of micro-habits for wellness and resilience.
Learn More About MEND
To explore MEND’s groundbreaking work, visit MEND. Discover how they are reshaping healthcare through nutrition.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us create more inspiring content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They specialize in enhancing customer lifetime value and building omnichannel strategies. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Schedule a 30-minute consulting session and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.